THE MANUEL RIVERA-ORTIZ FOUNDATION for Documentary Photography & Film is committed to positive social discourse in under-represented communities throughout the world by encouraging emerging and established photographers and filmmakers working in developing nations to keep their lenses fixed on the plight of the poor and disenfranchised. Learn about our founder Manuel Rivera-Ortiz.

The Manuel Rivera-Ortiz Foundation For Documentary Photography & Film

Pablo Piovano – 2015 Photo Grant

We are proud to announce that Pablo Ernesto Piovano of Argentina has been awarded our 2015 Documentary Photography Grant for his work and project proposal The Human Cost of Agrotoxins. The selection was held in the new MROF exhibition space in Arles, France. Among 12 amazing finalist proposals, the jury was most moved by Mr. Piovano’s portfolio on the devastating effects of glyphosate herbicide spraying across much of Argentina and the impact on the environment and the people. The jury also gave honorable mention to Sven Zellner of Germany for his Childhood in Romania portfolio.

Mo Yi – 2015 Photography Prize

We honor Chinese photographer Mo Yi with this year’s Documentary Photography Prize. Considered one of the preeminent figures of Chinese art photography, Mo’s work is distinguished by its powerful political and social commentary on Communist policies and their impact on Chinese society. As a Tiananmen demonstrator, street photographer and social documentarian, Mo Yi represents the ideals of our foundation and serves as the perfect role model for present and future documentary photographers. Learn about The Prize and see examples of his work here.

Remembering Lucien Clergue

With a special Prize Award, we honor the life and work of Lucien Clergue (1934 – 2014) – friend, advisor, Rencontres d’Arles founder, inspired photographer, artist. Beyond a great photographer, one of the best, Lucien was a great man with a huge giving heart for anyone trying to make it in the world of photography. We will miss his compassion, presence and his ever knowing gentlemanly smile.

A Year of Transition A letter from our Foundation President & Founder With the start of a new year, it’s natural to reflect on the receding tide of the one past. And indeed, I’ll do just that as a way to kick off our new foundation blog. I promise that follow on posts won’t […]

Foundation President Manuel Rivera-Ortiz Selected for List of 50 Great Stories by Columbia Journalism School 2001: Faces of Poverty Columbia University faculty, a group of distinguished judges and alumni voted on the 100 Great Stories from the school of journalism graduates. Manuel Rivera-Ortiz, class of 1998, was selected for his documentary photography work focusing on […]